Sapporo Chuo-ku Wholesale Market is a collection of 71 small shops all grouped together along one of Sapporo's main downtown streets.

The market is stocked daily with fresh merchandise from the oceans and mountains of Hokkaido. The friendly shopkeepers are happy to meet their customers face to face and talk about their goods. Even if you're just going for a look at the market, it's an experience that's sure to put a smile on your face.

The number one melon seller in all of Sapporo, "Marufuji Fujimoto Seika," is located in the market, and of course his products are all grown in Hokkaido. I was researching this article during melon season, so I was able to get a great look at their selection.

I took the opportunity to ask the shop-keep what kind of foods we could expect this September.

"Corn is definitely still in the peak of its season. In September and October you should expect to see more onions. That and other veggies that are grown underground, like potatoes. There are a ton of different kinds of potatoes available, but it's impossible to display all of them. The two most popular types are probably "Inka no Mezame" and "Kita Akari." A Kita Akari potato with some butter is absolutely delicious!"

We're currently in the midst of Hokkaido's main harvest season, so be sure to come out and try a bite of delicious Hokkaido produce.

I was also able to speak with someone at "Kyoei Fisheries." They are currently boasting a high-grade white fish selection, which was brought in from the docks at Abashiri and Shiretoko.

Starting in September you should expect to find the highest quality crab of the year. Red king crab is just one of the varieties you will be able to find at the market.

Also, we're coming up on salmon season, so expect to see more salmon roe available!

The Sapporo Chuo-ku Wholesale Market opens early in the morning and sells the freshest fish around, a fact which nearby residents know well. Things slow down a bit later in the day, giving window-shoppers and tourists a calmer experience. The market starts to close down around 3:00 pm, but the lively atmosphere and friendly shop-keepers never go away.

If you're in Sapporo, or are planning a visit, be sure to stop by the market!